points, but the hair of General Yozarro was cropped and there was a
white sprinkling about the temples and behind the ears. This, with the
crows' feet and wrinkles, showed that he was fully ten years the
senior of his brother President. He was in European dress, his coat,
waistcoat and trousers being of spotless white duck, his linen
irreproachable, his feet inclosed in patent leathers, and a diamond of
eight or ten carats scintillated in his snowy shirt front. He had been
heard to boast that this remarkable gem had been taken from the
mountains of his own province.

The moment his glittering black eyes rested upon the trim figure of
the American he rose and gracefully waved him to a seat on his right.
Thanking him for his courtesy, Major Starland walked briskly thither,
sat down, crossed his legs, cleared his throat and expressed his
pleasure at seeing his distinguished friend looking so well. President
Yozarro returned the compliment in the flowery language of his
country, and asked the caller to do him the great honor of telling him
in what way he could serve him. He assured him that it would be the
joy of his heart, if his humble aid would be accepted by one whom he
held in such warm friendship and lofty esteem.

While thus overwhelming his caller, President Yozarro snatched up his
cigarette box from his desk and held it out to the American, who
accepted the courtesy with thanks, lighted the wisp of fragrant
tobacco to which, as we know, he was unaccustomed, and sat back at
ease.

"Your Excellency, I come from President Bambos."

"I am delighted to welcome you, and how is my esteemed brother?"

"Never better; when he told me of a slight misunderstanding, I
volunteered to lay the matter before you, knowing how willing you
would be to listen patiently, and aware too of your deep sense of
justice."

"You do me honor, my good friend," replied President Yozarro, bowing
and smiling so broadly that his white teeth gleamed through his
mustache. "I am eager as always to right any wrong and to correct any
misunderstanding."

"Three days ago when your excellent gunboat was at target practice, on
the Rio Rubio, one of the shots injured the dwelling of a citizen of
Zalapata."

"It grieves me to learn that," replied the President, as if the
episode was wholly new to him; "I am impatient to do what I can to
repair the carelessness of my gunner: will it please you to have him
shot, as a warning to others to be more care